Kauai is the oldest island geologically in the Hawaiian archipelago. This is the Garden Isle with a lush, tropical rainforest, a deep canyon, the rugged Na Pali coast and perfect beaches at Poipu on the South Shore.

The beach at Poipu includes the spectacular Makahuena Point and the Spouting Horn blow hole. Koloa Landing offers easy access to all of the islands from their beautiful location in Kauai. The popular resort with some of the largest rooms on the island is only a few steps away from Poipu’s pristine beaches.

South Shore beaches are warm and sunny. The surf is mild most of the time and snorkelling is also popular here. The Spouting Horn blow hole is a natural break in the rocks where water spouts up to 20 feet in the air at high tide.

Visit Old Koloa Town where the first sugar mill opened in 1835. This historic and restored village offers dining and shopping along with a look into the island’s past as sugar mill town and whaling port. A Koloa History Centre explains the development of the town and the importance of the island of Kauai in the sugar trade. 

Ka Ala Hele Waiwai Ho’olina o Kaloa, the Koloa Heritage Trail, is easily covered by bicycle with several stops at geological and archaeological sites. The Poipu Kaloa area is reached along Maluhia Road beneath a Tree Tunnel of giant eucalyptus trees planted over a century ago.

Poipu Beach

This white sand beach has been named one of the world’s best beaches. Swimmers enjoy the warm water and an occasional glimpse at the humpback whales offshore between December and May, during their annual migration through Hawaiian waters.

Green sea turtles, called honu by locals, also swim in these waters. The turtles are a protected species. Another protected species, the Hawaiian sea monk seal, occasionally rest on the beaches. Poipu Beach Park has a special roped off area to protect the 400-pound seals and the people viewing them. Visitors can look at them and take photos at a safe distance. One must never try to touch or feed the animals.

Snorkeling is popular among the rocky reefs in the park. The state fish of Hawai’i, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa, is a colorful triggerfish with a wedged tail, can also be found in these waters.

Golf

Poipu Bay Golf Course is situated on 210 acres of rugged coastline. Trade winds keep the course at a pleasant temperature year round. You may share the challenging 18-hole course with Nene geese seen only in Hawai’i.

The course hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006. This course features 85 bunkers, five water hazards, and 30 acres of tropical landscaping. The course was designed around several ancient heiaus, or places of worship, that remain carefully protected thanks to the work of Robert Trent Jones Jr. You’ll also find stone walls along the course dating back 500 years. The course measures 6,318 feet from the white tees. A 21,000 square foot clubhouse includes a pro shop, lockers for club storage, and restaurant.

Relaxation and nightlife

Restaurants, shops, and boutiques are abundant in the Poipu area. Hawaiian music and dancing are offered at a variety of restaurants and hotels. Also, you can experience a luau.

Car rentals are also available for exploring other parts of the Garden Isle, including its famous waterfalls. Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls are easy to reach by car from Poipu.

You may decide on a message or other treatment at Koloa Landing’s luxury spa. Or, sit around the 350,000-gallon pool with water slides, waterfalls, and grottos. The lagoon pool is also open to guests staying in the hotel’s luxury studios and villas.

Kauai’s Poipu Beach is the place for a relaxing vacation and the opportunity to experience the best of the Garden Isle. This is a tropical destination for a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, or a special anniversary.

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